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Elonian Centaurs not only have equine features, but also resemble the swift gazelles that run across plains and savannahs. These creatures are also more leonine than their distant Tyrian cousins, displaying some of the social behaviors of big cats—a group of Elonian Centaurs is called a “pride.” Their extended families normally prowl and hunt around a pride’s breeding grounds, fighting to defend their territory.
In brighter times, Elonian prides gathered around massive “ancestor trees,” where they believed the spirits of their forebears watched over them. According to arcane scholars, the fruit of these trees was seen as divine, possibly as a way to pass down spiritual wisdom from one generation to the next. The Kournans have decimated the Centaurs by driving their prides westward, away from their territory, ancestry, and spirituality. Since then, General Bayel’s pacification campaigns have allowed the province of Kourna to recruit many of them as slave laborers. Exiled and refugee Centaurs now raid human villages to survive, and most have developed a fierce hatred for humanity.

Identification of the Centaur Prides

Note: The term for groupings of Centaurs (such as clans and tribes) is a “Pride.”

Desert Prides

Veldrunner

According to the Veldrunner Pride use to be multiple Prides that warred with each other until Varesh enslaved them all. Now they all seem to be of one pride, the Veldrunner Pride, which has united for survival and because of their hatred of humans.

Before the threat of Varesh, the Veldrunner were captured and enslaved by Palawa Joko, those centaurs now serve as mesmers and monks in his armies.

Something worth mentioning, but little to expand on with:

Quote:

Originally Posted by GW.Dat

Old Manka Hold
Estate formerly controlled by the Manka Clan, abandoned due to Centaur raids.

Losaru

These are the Crystal Desert Centaurs. They have a very high resemblance to the Veldrunner. The similarities are in the skin color, the eyes, and their face/head. The horns go the same way as well, even the chin is the same.

These similarities were not always so, they once looked much like the Maguuma and Modniir, before Nightfall, then their skins were changed to this. The only difference between the Losaru and the Veldrunner is the clothing, which is still very similar. The Losaru’s clothing falls down more and is less decorative then the Veldrunner’s.

I think that it is not hard to believe, that the Losaru were once part of the Prides that lived in Kourna, but when Palawa Joko ruled, these centaurs were forced north, most likely as scouts to explore, but never went back south (either due to Joko’s fall, leaving them stranded, or as a rebellion). This could explain their hostility, why they attack without much of a reason to, because if they were in the Crystal Desert the whole time, how could they hate humans enough to kill at first sight?

Northern Prides

Shiverpeak Centaurs and the Modniir

Above Left: Shiverpeak WarriorAbove Right: Modniir Berserker

These two Prides of Centaurs seem to be one in the same. There are several reasonings to support this, for instant, they have the same skin and model. Even in Eye of the North, when there was no direct connection, different skins where used. Both the Orrian Undead and the Charr use the same models as from their prophecies counterparts. So that supports Modniir and the Shiverpeak Centaurs being the same. I also provided pictures for comparison.

Another fact to support the Shiverpeak Centaurs and the Modniir from being of the same Pride, is that like how in the quest Charr Invasion, which has Prophecies and Eye of the North Charr together, the quest Service: In Defense of the Eye has Shiverpeak Centaurs and Modniir together.

This would also make sense as the Modniir don’t seem to have a “base” or home, and they only have three bosses (or two, and one boss-like), not enough to lead an entire Pride in comparison to the other Centaur Prides and the Tengu.

I would assume that the base of the Modniir resides in the unexplorable area between the Northern Shiverpeaks and the Far Shiverpeaks.

Maguuma Centaurs

These centaurs now reside in the Maguuma and have no reference to their Pride’s real name, hence why they are referred to “Maguuma Centaurs.” These centaurs use to live in the east of the Maguuma, in what is now Kryta, and were pushed west by the humans. Because of this, they have a hate of humans just like the other centaurs, but refuse to go to peace like the Veldrunners. These centaurs also have a very big resemblance to the Modniir centaurs. That is, in their face and hair (on some). The only noticeable difference is that on some, mainly the casters, the hair drops over the shoulders, and that their horns go mostly straight backwards, unlike the Modniir which have curved horns.

I theorize that the Maguuma and the Modniir were once part of the same Pride, but separated for some reason. Only known reason would be the humans pushing them west, however, there could have been other reasons, such as internal feuds. This would have happened far over 700 years ago, which gives them enough time for evolution to make the minor changes. Even their culture would not be completely different, which could explain the extreme similarities in the Maguuma Warriors with the Modniir (that is, the hair, and not covering the chest).

Ventari

How can we go through the Centaurs without mentioning this guy? We can’t. Although he is a part of the Maguuma Pride, he was exiled for his wishes for peace. He has a home in the Maguuma, which, between the times of Prophecies and Eye of the North (a four year time span), Ventari’s old home was engulfed in war and he headed southeast, to what is known as Ventari's Sanctuary. In Ventari’s Sanctuary, you can find four humans and 2 centaurs (including Ventari himself), along with the Sylvari Tree.

The Centaur’s Religion

Veldrunner

There is only one instance of the Centaur’s having a religion. This is mentioned by Mirza Veldrunner. They believe that the Ancestor Tree houses the spirits of their dead ancestors. It is also believed that the fruit from this tree holds the knowledge of all past Centaur elders.

A note should be taken that the Ancestor Tree cannot hold the spirit of those turned undead by Joko, as in order to make an undead, their spirits are trapped within the body. This is also brought up by Zhed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zhed Shadowhoof

Sahlahjar the dead's words are a reminder to me that Centaurs must fight, not only for their bodies, but for their very souls. There are undead Centaurs among Joko's armies... Centaurs who will never be free.

The Centaur’s Architecture

Veldrunner

The Veldrunner Centaurs have a village in Turai’s Procession. This village consists of the Ancestor Tree and a few other trees nearby that have hammocks and beads hanging from them. An interesting thing to note is that there are more trees like this in the Marga Coast, outside Yohlon Haven. This second village also has an Ancestor Tree. Also, Zhed says “The Ancestor Tree is in Turai's Procession. Let us make haste.” This leads me to believe that this, now abandoned, village belonged to one of the other Prides that merged into the Veldrunner. And also, that each Pride had their own Ancestor Tree.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zhed Shadowhoof, when asked about Centaur Concerns

The Ancestor Tree is in Turai's Procession. Let us make haste.

Left: Faded-Orange HammockRight: Bright Red Hammock

On the trees surrounding the Ancestor Tree(s), there are two types of hammocks, one that is a faded-orange color, and one that is a bright red color. The faded hammocks have what seems to be a circle on one end, a centaur with a spear in hand in the center, and another drawing that’s hard to figure out due to the curve, possibly an Ntouka. The bright red hammocks have a sun and centaur on one end, a centaur in the middle, and two symbols, that when placed together might make a human shape (but are split at the hip, if it is a human).

On both Ancestor Trees, there is a giant cloth, with a drawing of a giant tree *presumably the Ancestor Tree* and stick figures. On each side of the Tree, there are two humans (with bows/spears) and two Centaurs, these figures seem to be fighting each other. At the tree is another centaur, this one seems to be (at least to me) be in a similar stance to that of King Doric in the mural of him before Dwayna, Balthazar, and Melandru.

Maguuma Centaurs

There is only one location of these huts, which are in two spots. They are to the west of Ventari’s (famous) Refuge. These huts all (but one) have stacks of hay in them, most likely used as a bed. I claim these huts are Centaurian because there is a monk boss just south of them, and there is a patrol that ends (or starts, depending on how you look at it) at the huts.

A short mention to the flags near the huts mentioned above. It is red/orange with a 6-pointed star or flower.

Found in Silverwood, are two wards. These are found west of Quarrel Falls, on the way to Ettin’s Back. There are only two found in Silverwood, and none have been found elsewhere, so this may or may not have any significance.

Losaru

These buildings are unknown to be of Losaru origin, or made by the Kournans that went with Turai Ossa. Above, we have two sets of altar-like structures (shown above). There are runes on the sides and on top. A set of them can be found in Skyward Reach, near Destiny’s Gorge, while a more ruined one can be found on an edge in the Gates of Desolation.

There are also some arches (shown below) that are found in both the Crystal Desert, near Losaru, and in the Gate of Desolation. The one in the Desolation is broken, so it seems to be old, unless that was an effect from Torment creeping into the world. The one in the Crystal Desert, the Dunes of Despair mission to be exact, are intact still and have both Losaru patrols heading to and from the arch, and Losaru at the arch.

If these were made by the Losaru, then this would further support my theory about the Losaru once being a part of the Elonian Prides, then later split by Palawa Joko and forced north.

There is, however, one fact that goes against these being Losaru structures. The known Veldrunner buildings are very primitive and their drawings are even stick figures. If the arches in the Gates of Desolation is in fact Losaru, then what would cause the design and artistry of the Centaurs to go from sculpting runes and griffins to stick figures.

The Centaur’s Diet

Not much can be figured out from the normal centaurian diet. In fact, we have only two sources of information regarding what centaurs eat. These are from the quest The Warrior’s Path and the quest Mirza’s Last Stand. In The Warrior’s Path, there is a mention of the “man-eating ‘Orshad Raiders,’” a sect of the Losaru Pride. In Mirza’s Last Stand, part of the reward dialogue, Mirza says “That should keep them at bay for some time, and feed my people for even longer…” These two quests show that the Centaurs at least eat meat, even humans. Although, due to the horse-half that the Centaurs are based on, and based off of their teeth, I would assume they also eat vegetables, meaning they are omnivores.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Agastos the Brave

Balthazar himself would tell you there is no greater hero than a Warrior. A Warrior is feared by all who face him. A Warrior needs not hide behind prayers or trickery. A Warrior trusts in his own strength and skill. Do you wish to be such a hero? It is not too late. I can show you the way, but first you must prove you have a Warrior's courage. Most feared among the desert Centaurs are man-eating Orshad Raiders who make their home in the Scar. Strike down the Orshad Chieftain, and I will believe you have the heart of a Warrior.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mirza Veldrunner

That should keep them at bay for some time, and feed my people for even longer. Varesh will undoubtedly conscript more locals to compensate.

This darkness spreads...even now. I can feel it in the earth, air, and water. Something has changed. Our people, like yours, know of this legendary Nightfall. Strange times are indeed upon us.

But now, you are not merely human...you are part of this pride. I will teach you some of the old ways of my people. Some skills that will, perhaps, come in handy. First, please accept this token of our gratitude.

Overview

In short, the Veldrunner Pride is a compilation of Prides that united under Mirza Veldrunner to combat Varesh Ossa and enslavement, before which they fought each other over territory.

The Shiverpeak Centaurs and the Modniir are one and the same.

The Maguuma Centaurs were possibly part of the Modniir Pride, but split off and went into Kryta, then got pushed into the Maguuma, and have no known name for themselves.

The Losaru were once part of the Elonian Centaur Prides, but were forced north, past the Desolation, most likely by Palawa Joko.

I think that it is not hard to believe, that the Losaru were once part of the Prides that lived in Kourna, but when Palawa Joko ruled, these centaurs were forced north, most likely as scouts to explore, but never went back south (either due to Joko’s fall, leaving them stranded, or as a rebellion). This could explain their hostility, why they attack without much of a reason to, because if they were in the Crystal Desert the whole time, how could they hate humans enough to kill at first sight?

I think it very likely that the Elonian Centaurs and Losaru Centaurs are the same pride. Like you say Palawa Jokos invasion could of cuased them to split, or perhaps a faction of centaurs from the Pride became outcasts, eventually becoming a fully fledged pride in the Desert. Both Prides are not too far from each other.

Quote:

On both Ancestor Trees, there is a giant cloth, with a drawing of a giant tree *presumably the Ancestor Tree* and stick figures. On each side of the Tree, there are two humans (with bows/spears) and two Centaurs, these figures seem to be fighting each other. At the tree is another centaur, this one seems to be (at least to me) be in a similar stance to that of King Doric in the mural of him before Dwayna, Balthazar, and Melandru.

At first i wondered if this had anything to do with the wars that caused Dorics plea to the gods - its possible the Centaurs were part of the wars between the races. But looking at it again it could of been a recent drawing depicting the events at the time (The Kournans vs the Veldrunner). The drawing could be implying that the Centaurs draw some kind of strength from the ancestor trees. Its interesting to note that Centaurs are more attuned to nature than the other living races.

Quote:

These buildings are unknown to be of Losaru origin, or made by the Kournans that went with Turai Ossa. Above, we have two sets of altar-like structures (shown above). There are runes on the sides and on top. A set of them can be found in Skyward Reach, near Destiny’s Gorge, while a more ruined one can be found on an edge in the Gates of Desolation.

I doubt those are of Losaru Origin. Most centaur structures appear to be made out of wood or pretty much anything other than stone. Also those Runes are most certainly not centaur based and are infact something i'm becoming increaseingly interested in as the runes in question feature prominantly on teleporters and other magical devices throughout Tyria.

Quote:

If these were made by the Losaru, then this would further support my theory about the Losaru once being a part of the Elonian Prides, then later split by Palawa Joko and forced north.

If i remember correctly the entire outpost thats from (if it is indeed the outpost i'm thinking about) was designed as a buffer to stop Joko's raids. Considering this i would think it more likely that the Kournans under Turei Ossas leadership built them rather than the Centaurs.

I doubt those are of Losaru Origin. Most centaur structures appear to be made out of wood or pretty much anything other than stone. Also those Runes are most certainly not centaur based and are infact something i'm becoming increaseingly interested in as the runes in question feature prominantly on teleporters and other magical devices throughout Tyria.

If i remember correctly the entire outpost thats from (if it is indeed the outpost i'm thinking about) was designed as a buffer to stop Joko's raids. Considering this i would think it more likely that the Kournans under Turei Ossas leadership built them rather than the Centaurs.

I did not know that the runes are on the teleporters and other magical devices throughout Tyria. I will be interested to read about whatever you find, that is, if you are going to make a thread on it (which I would assume you will).

The outpost is in fact the Gate of Desolation, however, it is not far to say that the outpost was made by the centaurs as slaves, or from a time they were co-existing. But like I said in the OP, the connection is only a guess and is just as likely, if not more, to be made by the Kournans.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myself

There is, however, one fact that goes against these being Losaru structures. The known Veldrunner buildings are very primitive and their drawings are even stick figures. If the arches in the Gates of Desolation is in fact Losaru, then what would cause the design and artistry of the Centaurs to go from sculpting runes and griffins to stick figures.

The Maguuma Centaurs were possibly part of the Modniir Pride, but split off and went into Kryta, then got pushed into the Maguuma, and have no known name for themselves.

It's also possible that this variety of centaurs originally inhabited the whole of western Tyria, and the Krytan ones were wiped out when the area was inhabited by humans. Maguuma is sparsely populated (and inhospitable to humans), and the Shiverpeaks are mostly inhabited by dwarves, so the centaurs in both places survive.

I've actually wondered about monster biology distribution sometimes. Like how the four-legged Skale exist in the Charr homelands but nowhere else in Tyria (Mandragors are even stranger, appearing somehow in the Far North and Charr Homelands), or whether Scarabs originated in Elona, or if the Skree Griffins are the males of the species...